Am I able to switch from reserves to active duty if I have a 30% or more VA disability?

2021-08-12T22:02:13-04:00

I served 4 years active and reenlisted in the reserves. Trying to go back active if I can but as an officer. What would be my best option if I were to try and do that?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2021 10:12 PM

2021-08-12T22:12:00-04:00

SPC Onel Cruz Best to check with the Recruiter you re-enlisted with.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 12 at 2021 10:12 PM

2021-08-12T22:12:28-04:00

What do the recruiters say? Regardless of what you dig up here the latest information will be what the recruiters tell you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2021 12:34 AM

2021-08-13T00:34:18-04:00

Currently going through this myself, granted I only have 10%. If you’re all green through your PHA and IMR in MEDPROS (you can receive a copy of those from your S-1) essentially when you come back through as a “prior service”, you will not be subject to the medical portion of it all at MEPS. Your MEDPROS (if you’re green across the board) is proof enough that you are in good shape.

You will sign a waiver to give up that 30% if you are able to go back Active. However, once you get out, you’ll have to do the whole process over again to regain any disability and will not automatically get that 30% back.

Hope this helps

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2021 4:59 AM

2021-08-13T04:59:06-04:00

I just commissioned in the NG last year with 40% VA disability. It was a 3 year process that required NGB-level intervention and a change of National Guard-wide policy to allow it. Granted, I have 30% for a mental health diagnosis which was the cause of all the hangups. If you have a rating for ANY mental health condition, get ready for a protracted fight. I did have to repeat MEPS, and after being disqualified, I had to have 3 more psychiatric evaluations before the waiver authority ultimately disqualified me again. NG changed the policy to allow currently serving soldiers to be cleared by the state surgeon of the state in which they are enlisting/commissioning, which is the only reason I was able to commission.

It is extremely difficult, though not impossible... But you may have a long fight ahead if you have a disqualifying condition.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2021 8:57 PM

2021-08-13T20:57:00-04:00

To make the switch you would need DD Form 368 Conditional Release from your unit, it must be signed off by the first General Officer in your C.o.C. You will then apply for OCS in the unit you are assigned. Else, you can go OCS as a Reservist and try to make the switch as an Officer (might not be any easier), alternatively if you can take the Direct Commission path if you are in the medical profession, legal profession, religious or other qualifying fields. MILPER Message 20-307 can give you a rough idea of what you would need.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2021 9:02 PM

2021-08-15T21:02:43-04:00

I'm 80% and had a recruiter call me to be a drill sgt